April 28, 2020: Update from Tanzania

We are pleased to report that our RVCV family remains healthy. However, the covid-19 virus has unfortunately reached our catchment area and the number of cases across Tanzania has started to surge. While business remain open in Tanzania, in anticipation of disruptions in essential supply chains, we have a built a reserve of food, medicine and fuel to ensure we can continue providing for our family and community.

Meanwhile, the mental health of our children has been given additional support through seminars and sessions aimed at equipping them with critical coping skills and other mechanisms. We are continuously impressed by our children’s ability to come together to support one another through challenges.

To further support the health and to protect our wider community, the Rift Valley Women’s Group, an initiative of our Microfinance Program, quickly designed face masks to mimic both the N95 model as well as standard surgical masks. Since perfecting the design a few short weeks ago, we have made over 1,100 masks that have been donated or purchased by local hospitals, medical clinics, government offices, banks, small businesses and lodges. Costing just over $1 to craft each mask, RVWG currently has over 940 pending orders for masks.